The University of Santiago, Chile (Usach), through its Department of Electrical Engineering (DIE), and the Latin American Energy Organization (Olade) signed a specific collaboration agreement aimed at strengthening regional energy integration and developing specialized human capital training.
The ceremony was led by Dr. Alberto Monsalve, Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Creation; Andrés Rebolledo, Executive Secretary of Olade; Dr. Matías Díaz, Director of the Department of Electrical Engineering; and Hernán Nilo, VIME Director of the DIE Usach Diploma in Electromobility.
Central to this alliance is the internationalization of DIE Usach’s Electromobility Diploma, expanding its impact to Olade’s 27 member nations. The collaboration further extends to co-developing continuing education programs, fostering undergraduate and graduate partnerships, and enabling knowledge and technology transfer. It also includes coordinating with public and private sectors and championing policies crucial for the energy transition. Having successfully completed eleven cycles, this groundbreaking program firmly establishes the University of Santiago de Chile as a leader in electric mobility education.
Green Region
As the world’s leading region in Non-Conventional Renewable Energy (NCRE) penetration and a producer of essential minerals for energy transition technologies, Latin America and the Caribbean holds a unique global position. Olade Executive Secretary Andrés Rebolledo underscored this, stating it is “the only green region on the planet with a vocation to be part of the solution to global transitions, with the main challenge being to continue deepening decarbonization.”
Key factors for a decarbonized energy matrix in the coming decades include electric mobility, charging infrastructure, and electricity regulation. DIE Usach Director Matías Díaz noted Chile’s prominent role as a Latin American leader in electromobility, a result of its vigorous research, project development, and industry training initiatives. He underscored the significance of the Olade agreement, stating, “we will be able to bring our experience in electric markets and mobility to the entire region.”
Usach Electromobility
Now in its 11th edition, the Usach Electrical Engineering Department’s Diploma in Electromobility boasts over 250 graduates contributing to the electric mobility ecosystem. Hernán Nilo, the program’s Director of Community Relations, emphasized its significant impact: “We have managed to bring together academia, industry, and decision-makers. We are part of an ecosystem that is providing dignified transportation for people.”
Olade Executive Secretary Andrés Rebolledo not only emphasized the ongoing opportunity to develop public policies on electric mobility but also underscored the unique value of the knowledge emanating from our university. He lauded Usach’s “indisputable seal of technical knowledge and experience, not only from its academics, but also from the implementation of projects in the field of electric mobility.” He further asserted that “the commitment of those working in this field to advance the climate agenda is fundamental. Electric mobility is a solution, and in that sense, I believe that these are all values and experiences that the University of Santiago will bring to this program.”
Formally consolidating a long-term effort initiated in 2018, this initiative now adopts a regional focus. The extensive experience of DIE Usach in electromobility training, innovation, and policy implementation, alongside Olade’s leadership in energy cooperation, supports a practical training approach specifically designed for the Latin American context.
Following the signing of the collaboration agreement, attendees toured the Electrical Engineering Department, visiting various laboratories where projects on energy technologies, efficiency, and electromobility are underway.